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This study assessed student research papers using a rubric to determine the information literacy skills of students in introductory composition classes. Librarians taught a pilot composition course that infused information literacy (IL) into the traditional English curriculum. The students' IL skills were compared to those of undergraduates enrolled in a traditional composition class, who received only a one-shot library instruction session. Students in the information literacy composition course scored better than their counterparts in six of seven IL skill categories. Results support greater integration of information literacy and composition curricula as a path forward for student success.

Academic libraries use two common methods to reach first-year students: outreach activities and library instruction. The purpose of this study was to discover if curriculum mapping techniques commonly used in library instruction could be applied to outreach to explore the synergies and differences between programs. The project demonstrated that mapping was an effective tool for gaining insight into interrelated outcomes, resource allocation, consistency of library messaging, and students reached by each program. Curriculum mapping proved a useful method for creating strategic and intentional instruction and outreach programs that complement rather than compete with each other.

Sedentary behavior has increased over the last several decades, and this has led to major life-threatening health issues. Texas A&M University Libraries has introduced an innovative idea in three of their buildings. This case study highlights the implementation of Bike Desks at an academic library while offering strategies for other libraries wishing to replicate this project, and analyzes data from a user survey. The survey explored student experiences, including perceived satisfaction and any perceived gains in study habits while using the Bike Desk.

Libraries are called to serve users with diverse needs and a wide range of abilities and disabilities. The library literature includes much about services to persons with disabilities but says little about programmatic efforts in library instruction and accessibility design at an organizational level. This study looks for visible evidence of inclusive practices in library instruction programs through a content analysis of library instruction websites and instruction request forms, examining instruction-related pages for accessibility language. Results show little evidence of programmatic disability inclusion on library websites.

Background: Cancer is a disease that is perceived negatively, especially in the African American community. Cultural attitudes, beliefs, and the lack of relevant health information all play a role in the extent of the negative perceptions of this multifaceted disease. Purpose: To conduct a qualitative assessment of the perceptions of cancer of African American senior citizens in the District of Columbia. Methods: Following a literature review on the knowledge and perceptions of cancer held by African Americans over 55 years of age living in Washington, DC, 4 focus groups were conducted, one from each of the 4 quadrants of the city, to determine the participants' (1) basic knowledge of cancer; (2) source(s) of cancer information; (3) beliefs and perceptions about cancer; and (4) suggestions of motivating activities that are likely to induce healthier lifestyles. Results and Conclusion: Results indicated that the majority of the participants perceived that cancer always produces a negative outcome. Many identified that their sources of cancer information came from family and friends; others indicated that information was acquired from physicians, health-related reading materials, or other media streamed devices (Internet, television, etc.). Based on the data gathered, the intervention most likely to promote changes in lifestyles would be a featured activity that provided knowledge on cancer with recommended lifestyle changes and constant reinforcements (e.g., calendars, a support partner). Translation to Health Education Practice: Participants in each of the focus groups requested that the healthy living featured activity and a subsequent intervention involving proper health care practices take place at the same sites where the focus groups were held.

A survey of tenure-track and tenured librarians at ARL libraries provides data on the relationship between parenthood and professorship. Results analyze the impact of the promotion and tenure process on child-bearing and child-rearing decisions. Discrepancies are found based on gender, tenure status, and family status.